Peak The 5,500 Steps in this Adam’s Peak Season !

March 28, 2019 / Sri Lanka

If you’re down for physical challenges or will do anything for Insta worthy shots, you cannot miss the hike up Sri Lanka’s most sacred mountain, Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada (Sacred Foot).
Although it is not the highest peak in the country, it is still the most outstanding, given that none of the surrounding peaks are nearly as high as this one. Lush forests further perfect the landscape. During Adam’s Peak season (best time is from Jan – March), the weather is perfect and the trail is illuminated by lights and dotted by food stalls.The reason for the summit’s holy stature is due to a particular depression.
It is considered to be a footprint of the Buddha in Buddhism, of Lord Shiva by Hindus, while in Muslim and Christian beliefs it was Adam and St.Thomas’s feet respectively . In Buddhist religion, the hike is considered one of the main pilgrimages. On the other hand tourists walk up the mountain to witness the spectacular sunrise from the top. For this, you’d have to start the trek at night (around 2 am) as the ascend takes about 3 – 4 hours (sunrise is around 6 am). If chasing the sunrise is not your aim, you can also go later in the day.

The trek begins with wide stairs but soon the elevation of the steps turn irregular, which might strain untrained legs. Towards the end the stairs become narrow, almost a single file. The trek is considerably easy the first hour, but after the Peace Pagoda the ascend gets steeper. Go slow and steady on these 5,500 steps. But the hundred others taking the special journey along with you will definitely lift your spirits. Although the season goes on till May, avoid going on full moon nights and on Sri Lankan New Year (mid April) at all costs – you might end up spending 6 – 10 hours reaching the top!. The base of the summit is a small town called Dalhousie, situated approximately 150 kilometers away from the capital town of Colombo. Adam’s Peak is the main offering of Dalhousie; so don’t expect exciting activities around. After the trek just stick around long enough to rest your legs.

Here are a few other things to know before packing your bags for Adam’s Peak:
The ascend is 7,350 ft. Adam’s Peak is the 5th highest peak in Sri Lanka.
Altitude sickness is not a concern
Get warm clothes for the top as the wind can be chilly.
Earlier you reach the summit, the better as people jostle for the best point to see the sunrise.
Post May the lights along the trail are switched off, but you can still scale the mountain – get your own food and a torch. Be aware, the food sold during Adam’s Peak season is costly and does not go beyond the usual junk food.
Bathrooms are not the cleanest.
Average time required to reach the bottom is between 1.5 – 2 hours. The journey down maybe strenuous for the knees.
Children and elderly people can also take the hike.
The trek up will eventually end. Keep going!
Enjoy the best sunrise Sri Lanka can offer you! Avoid the hassle of booking Trains and Buses; make the smart choice of booking Uber Intercity to reach your destination, at your time, your pace. Enjoy your trip to the top!